Iran: Supreme Leader makes surprise visit to quake-affected regions

TABRIZ, East Azarbaijan Province, Aug. 16 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic
Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made a surprise visit to the
quake-affected villages in East Azarbaijan Province on Thursday.

Two successive strong earthquakes in the Varzagan and Ahar regions in East
Azerbaijan Province on Saturday left over 300 people dead and more than 2000
injured.

The Leader said, "The Iranian people sympathize with the residents of the
quake-stricken region."

The Leader said he had visited the region to show sympathy with the people and
express condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the quakes.

The Leader added, "The Iranian nation are united and this unity and cohesion
have led the nation to become powerful."

The Leader assessed the delivery of relief aid to the quake victims as good;
however, he insisted that officials have a great responsibility to monitor
construction of quake-resistant buildings in the affected areas.